On 14 December 2023, the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (“OFSI”) published its 2022-2023 annual review (see here). The review summarises OFSI’s activities over the 2022-2023 financial year and looks ahead at trends and OFSI’s priorities for the next year. Russia Sanctions The report has a particular focus on the UK’s expanded Russia sanctions regime, stating that by 31 March 2023, “130 oligarchs and family members” who had a combined net worth of around £145…
The UK’s Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (“OFSI”) has published updated guidance (the “Russia Sanctions Guidance”) on the implementation of the Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (“UK Russia Regulations”), including a new FAQ addressing circumstances where a UK financial institution receives funds indirectly from or via a designated bank. In parallel with this update to its Russia Sanctions Guidance, OFSI has also published a new General Licence relating to Correspondent Banking Payments (INT/2023/3566356). Updated…